Book excerpt: Vintage finds and fabrics are elegantly paired to recreate the grace and comfort of French-style. A Romance with French Living provides a glimpse into Carolyn Westbrook’s world, where treasured antiques and vintage finds, perfectly faded fabrics and timeworn furniture blend, seemingly effortlessly, in superb interiors that are both relaxing and chic, inspired by French style. Part One—French-inspired Interiors—showcases Carolyn’s love for designing interiors, decorating, and creating relaxed and welcoming rooms. Essentially French shows how to adapt classic French style to suit modern-day living, this ethos is carried through to the chapters, A Cottage in the Country and Urban Farmhouse. Part Two—It’s All in the Detail—concentrates on adding those all-important finishing touches to a room, whether it’s antique leather-bound books, cherished items gathered on overseas travel, or swathes of Carolyn’s much-loved white linen, from vintage French linen bedsheets finding a new life as tablecloths and curtains to pristine bed linen and smart upholstery. The final section of the book focuses on entertaining and celebrations, from a country barn party to a bridal shower and an intimate family wedding at Carolyn’s own home, The Oaks Plantation in Texas.